Homeownership Program

Start Your Homeownership Journey with Habitat

We believe that everyone deserves a safe place to live, regardless of where they come from, because a stable home is the foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life. Everyone has the right to live in a community where they feel safe, supported, and valued, no matter their background or circumstances. Through Shelter, We Empower.

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Click Here to Join a Habitat Homeownership Information Session!

Interested in owning a Habitat home? Attend an applicant information session at Habitat East Polk to learn more about the process and how to prepare. These sessions are optional and not required to apply.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Program Requirements
  • Application Process
  • How to Prepare & More!

In-Person Sessions:

TBD

Virtual Session:

April 30th: 5:15pm-6:15pm

May 4th: 6:00pm-7:00pm

May 6th: 12:00pm-1:00pm

Become a Habitat Homeowner

Family Size Minimum Gross
Monthly Income		 Maximum Gross
Monthly Income
One $3,471 $3,892
Two $3,471 $4,446
Three $3,471 $5,000
Four $3,471 $5,554
Five $3,750 $6,000
Six $4,029 $6,446
Seven $4,304 $6,888
Eight+ $4,583 $7,333

Need

At Habitat East Polk, we are committed to serving families facing the most urgent housing challenges by employing a consistent, thorough approach to assess each applicant’s specific needs.

The need for housing is determined by evaluating financial factors, such as income level, and physical factors, such as living conditions. We also assess the size and composition of your household in relation to the number of bedrooms available in your current home. Household income must meet the eligibility guidelines depicted in the chart.

Ability to Pay

You will purchase your home from Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County and must demonstrate your ability to pay the monthly mortgage, taxes, insurance, and possibly association dues. Homebuyers are responsible for closing costs and a 1% down payment (assistance may be available). We will review your credit history, including payment history, current debt, and collections, to look for stability and responsible management of personal finances. Current household expense will be reviewed to ensure you can afford a Habitat mortgage loan.

Willingness to Partner

Willingness to partner: Willingness to partner encompasses several areas including: sweat equity, closing costs, education classes and more. If selected, all applicants must complete designated training, education, and volunteer work known as “sweat equity” before purchasing their Habitat home. We require a minimum of 200 hours of sweat equity per household, with at least 100 of those hours in construction. Sweat equity is an investment in your future and goals.

Applications will be open from May 11th, 2026 to June 5th, 2026

Homeownership Program FAQ

How does Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County’s homeownership program work?
Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat East Polk builds comfortable, affordable homes with the help of future homeowners. The houses are sold to future homeowners and financed with affordable loans.
Does Habitat East Polk give houses away?
No, we are not a giveaway program. In addition to monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hours of their own labor — sweat equity –into building their Habitat home and the homes of others.
What is Sweat Equity?
Sweat Equity is volunteer work with Habitat East Polk. It is your investment in Habitat’s work and mission; it is also an expression of your partnership with Habitat East Polk. Your sweat equity is as important to the process of becoming a Habitat homeowner as are your closing costs. Sweat equity hours will be tracked once you are approved as a future homeowner.
Do you need a specific credit score to qualify?
At this time we do not have a minimum credit score requirement. We will review your credit history, including payment history, current debt, and collections, to look for stability and responsible management of personal finances.
Do you only accept families?
Habitat East Polk accepts applications from single adults and families of any size or makeup during an open enrollment period. Habitat will review the products that we have available (if any) for your family size and income before approving you for the program.
Do you have to be a first-time homebuyer to be eligible for the homeownership program?
While we don’t require that you be a first-time homebuyer, you cannot have owned AND occupied your primary residence for the last three years prior to purchase.
Do you have to be employed to be eligible for the homeownership program?
Habitat East Polk works in good faith with applicant families who qualify as low or very low income by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development standards. While some homeowners can qualify for a home with only unearned income, the vast majority of our homeowners are employed.
How much does a Habitat East Polk home cost?
Homes are sold at the appraised market value. The actual dollar amount varies depending on the specific home. Homeowners’ payments consist of the mortgage loan amount (principal), real estate taxes, homeowner’s insurance and possible HOA dues (escrow).
Does Habitat East Polk build homes on an equal opportunity basis?

Habitat for Humanity builds homes for people in need without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, familial status, disability, marital status, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, source of income, or other characteristics protected by law. Three criteria drive the homeowner selection process: Need, willingness to partner with Habitat, and the ability to make the required mortgage payments.

Is Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County affiliated with the government or a specific faith?
Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building affordable housing and providing homeownership opportunities for families and individuals in need. We are not affiliated with the government, nor with any church or denomination.